Some would say that better times are around the next proverbial corner. The question on my mind is how does one capitalize in a market about to turn around?

It could be argues that now is the best time to innovate and build something new.

So easily said and so hard to do, so how does one innovate?

Obviously tools and technology can be at the heart of innovation since they create opportunity where perhaps it did not exist before, however innovation is often simpler then the technology that supports it. How can we help drive innovation rather than following along as others blaze the new trail?

A first step is often to break with routine. Face it, you are not likely to find something new getting up at the same time, eating the same breakfast cereal and driving the same predictable path to work where you will spend the day batting one problem after another out of your office. Take a different routes to work, try eating out instead of in, work in a different way or different space, all of these things will expose you to new thoughts and ideas.

While innovating don't forget there is little that is truly new and looking at past patterns of success and innovation might just spark your next great leap of faith.

Inspire and promote innovation where you work. In a time where every dime and second counts we might just be chocking innovation in the work place. There is always the excuse of lack of time and money but you can always allow sometime for any effort and innovation is critical if you do not want to be on the loosing side of economic recovery. Everyone must find some time to innovate.

Why not participate with your clients, users and revenue sources. Wikipedia say, "the term innovation refers to a new way of doing something. It may refer to incremental and emergent or radical and revolutionary changes in thinking, products, processes, or organizations." We do a lot of something for those people who pay us and they know best how we could do that something better. Times change and the cheese gets moved, are you absolutely sure there is not a new way of doing that old something you are still doing the same way every day?

Don't be afraid of fresh eye and fresh minds. Why not take a day and spend it at a friends work and see what you see with a fresh set of eyes. This will allow you to ask the questions, challenge assumptions and give a fresh perspective. Who knows you might find inspiration to your own situation in just taking a break from your own routine.

There is always the potential for innovation and invention, the question is how to tap into the process and make something out if it.

So I offer up a night of innovation, change your Tuesday routine up and join us in Westwood for pizza and let us kick around ideas. Come tell us what that something that you do is and perhaps we can help inspire some new ideas. If nothing else we can all explore how to create more innovation in our own lives and work place.

As always, there is no better way to meet and connect with other executives then over dinner and conversation. $21 in advance via PayPal or $25 at the event gets you a full dinner, drink and the best networking around.